WATERMELON AGUA FRESCABlend watermelon in a blender (or juice in a juicer). Fill glasses with ice. Add watermelon juice to 2/3 of glass. Top with rum and a splash of lime.

GOAT CHEESE PARTY BITESTake a thick slice of watermelon and cut rounds with a small cookie cutter. add a basil leaf and dollop of goat cheese to the top of each round. drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.

WATERMELON SALAD SKEWERSCube the following and thread onto skewers along with some mint leaves: watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese and tomato. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Can also toss into a bowl for a salad.

WATERMELON GAZPACHOBlend: watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, basil, jalapeno, salt and pepper.Chop more watermelon, cucumber and green onion. Pour blended liquid into a bowl and top with the chopped items.

BONUS RECIPE! PICKLED WATERMELON RIND! 4poundswatermelon

1serrano pepper,, thinly sliced, seeds removed if desired

11" piece peeled ginger, thinly sliced

2star anise pods

4teaspoonskosher salt

1teaspoonblack peppercorns

1cupsugar

1cup plain rice vinegar

Using a vegetable peeler, remove tough green rind from watermelon rind and discard.

Cut rind into 1" pieces. (You should have about 4 cups.)

Bring chile, ginger, star anise, salt, peppercorns, sugar, vinegar, and ½ cup water to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Add watermelon rind and return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, keeping rind submerged in brine.

Transfer rind and liquid to an airtight container; cover and chill at least 12 hours.